Sevilla's Argentine manager, Matias Almeyda, has publicly shared his apprehension about the upcoming departure of two of his key attacking players, Akor Adams and Chidera Ejuke, who are set to represent Nigeria at the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2025.
Sevilla's Momentum Faces Disruption
The concern from the Spanish club's camp comes on the heels of a significant 4-0 victory over Real Oviedo in La Liga, a match where both Nigerian forwards found the back of the net. Their contributions were instrumental in securing the win and helping Sevilla climb to ninth position in the league table.
Almeyda acknowledged the inevitable disruption that international tournaments cause for club sides. "Of course, it disrupts the clubs," the manager stated in an interview on Sevilla's official website. He emphasized his no-excuses philosophy but admitted the challenge of maintaining the team's positive momentum during the critical mid-season period without the duo.
Super Eagles Gain Firepower for Morocco Campaign
Adams and Ejuke are now shifting their focus entirely to national team duties. They have been included in coach Eric Chelle's 28-man squad for the continental championship, which kicks off on December 21 in Morocco.
The Super Eagles will begin their final preparations with a high-profile friendly match against Egypt at the Cairo International Stadium. Nigeria has been drawn in Group C alongside Tunisia, Uganda, and Tanzania, and the in-form Sevilla pair are expected to be crucial to the team's quest for a fourth AFCON title.
Almeyda Calls for Squad Resilience
Back in Spain, Almeyda is preparing his remaining players to step up in the absence of the Nigerian stars. "We're going to have two less," he said, referring directly to Adams and Ejuke. He urged for calm and collective effort, adding, "You have to maintain peace of mind, you have to stay calm and believe and work."
The manager's concern is understandable given the recent form of both players. Beyond the Oviedo match, Akor Adams notably scored in Sevilla's stunning 4-1 league victory over Barcelona earlier in the season, highlighting his importance to the team's attack.
As Nigeria's camp buzzes with the arrival of its Europe-based stars, Sevilla faces the task of navigating a packed La Liga schedule without two of its primary offensive threats, setting the stage for a testing period for Almeyda's side.
